Owner Quay Tao, who originally hoped Community would open last summer, said he had been inundated with questions about when his new restaurant will open at 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., next door to the Portage Theater.

Only reservations for parties of five or more will be accepted, Tao said.

The upscale tavern will be the sixth new restaurant to open within the last year at Six Corners.

Community will feature upscale, classic American food with French influences and a relaxed atmosphere, said chef Joey Beato, who will oversee the kitchens at Community and the Portage, which has become an institution in a neighborhood with very few trendy restaurants catering to upper middle-class residents.

Some entrees will be big enough to share, while others will be designed to be shared among groups of friends and relatives.

Ald. John Arena (45th) has been working to turn the Six Corners Shopping District into an arts and culture mecca that would draw people from all over the city with the promise of a show and dinner.